Adopt

Are dogs traumatised and do they need any special handling?

Rescued dogs and cats have been through many horrific experiences. Many of them are former pets. Some were sold to dog and cat meat traders by their owners, and some were stolen. Like all rescued companion animals, they will need love and understanding and to know they are safe after the horrific experiences they have endured. After a rescue, most cats and dogs are moved to animal shelters to recover. Once recovered, they are ready for adoption. A lot of the dogs will need house training. For the first month, we would like your adopted dog to be walked on a lead so they can become acclimatised to their fantastic new surroundings. Walking them on the leash will also help them and you to feel safe and secure.
Why are you especially seeking to rehome larger dogs?

In cities in China, it is illegal to keep dogs taller than 35 cm at the shoulder. This means that it is much harder to find adopters in the cities who are willing to adopt a dog over 35 cm. So we try and find homes for rescued dogs over 35 cm (about the height of a border terrier) either outside of the city limits or abroad.
Why do you charge to rehome dogs and cats and how do you justify the fee?

All our rescued dogs and cats need expensive medical treatment before we can consider rehoming them. Then we have to adhere to the legal requirements for the countries they fly to, which differs from country to country. For all dogs and cats entering the EU, we have to take blood serum samples from them, have the blood serum tested for rabies antibodies (after they have had their rabies vaccinations). More information is available about the process of exiting China once we discuss with you your dog/cats adoption. There are also travel costs involved which can be discussed. Our mission as a charity is not just to rehome dogs and cats but to support our partner shelters in Asia and the animals under their care. For Current Cost Estimation.

Are the cats and dogs rescued friendly?
They are incredibly friendly, despite all they have gone through. They still trust humans and are waiting for a second chance. Most adapt really well to their new families and any pets you may already have. We aim to make sure that behaviourally the dogs and cats we put up for adoption are going to be well suited to their new lives.
Do you rehome dogs and cats in pairs?

We try to place cats in pairs when they are from the same family and of the same sex. Most cats in China live in confined spaces, typically small apartments, so they have incredible bonds with their littermates, which they have lived with all their lives before they are brought to the shelter. If two dogs have a special bond either in their previous home or at our shelter, we try to rehome them together.

Will my dog or cat be healthy? What additional cost will I need to factor?

Your dog/cats will be healthy before we allow them to travel. We make sure that they are fit, healthy, and ready to fly. They will be fully vaccinated and dewormed. The only issue we have found, mainly with the dogs, are residual skin infections caused by diet and the environment. With good nutrition and regular bathing, the skin infections soon clear up. We aim only to allow healthy and happy animals to be adopted and leave the shelter. Adoption can take up to three months, depending on where your new pet is flying to. The costs involved for leaving China are the costs of microchipping, vaccinations, blood serum testing to find evidence of rabies antibodies (for pets travelling to the EU), health examinations, exit permits and associated costs of flying. More information is available on our blog.